THE media should desist from practicing unprofessionalism journalism and inciting hatred but should be responsible as it executes its role of a watchdog if it is to remain relevant to national building, the Evangelical Youth Alliance (EYA) has charged.

Executive director Moses Lungu said the media should realise that it played a critical role in the development of any country and that a responsible media was a recipe for development, adding that there was need for practitioners to exercise restraint in their execution of duty so that they did not become proponents of anarchy in the country.

Rev. Lungu said careless reporting was a source of anarchy in the country and that as the country moved forward after a torrid time of political battles, there was need for the media to play their role with responsibility so that the country can heal and move on.

He said media media freedom, just like any other freedoms enjoyed by institutions and individuals were not absolute, and that there was need for them to exercise their freedoms without infringing on other peoples’ freedoms as the conflict of interest had huge repercussions which must be avoided at all cost.

He said there was no need for media owners to thrive on settling scores with perceived enemies because it could have far-reaching consequences which could even push people to the brink of civil strife.

“The Evangelical Youth Alliance looks at the role the media play in national security and development.

The media has always been the beacon of light in our country and their role is very critical because it is a profession that has suffered the violence of bad leadership over the years.

“Freedom of information and expression must come with responsibility because we all know that, the improper usage of our freedoms and liberties can destroy the nation.

It can cause anarchy and mistrust which if the nation should experience war, it can be very difficult to stop. No nation that has experienced war has recovered totally,” Rev. Lungu said.

He said journalism is a noble profession which should be used to enlighten citizens on what was going on around them but observed that any deviation from such professional ethics and conduct destroyed the whole purpose of a vibrant media in any country.

“This must be a noble profession that should not abuse its rights and settle scores against their perceived enemies.

Responsibility, objectivity and non-use of our partisan interests must be key factors that should influence our execution of work,” he said.